Outlet off of Consumer Unit? Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[aaaargh]

I am moving my PC etc to a cupboard in my hallway. There are no outlets in the cupboard or nearby in hall, but the consumer unit is in there. Can I spur off C/U, fitting a double outlet in cupboard, and what will I need to do this? :?

Also considering fitting a recessed ceiling lamp in same cupboard

[kbrownie]

Hi aaaargh,
this can be done, but I recommend you get a part p electrician in as this must comply to the building regs, because you are installing a new circuit.
Sorry it's a legal requirement and could invalidate your house insurance if not complied with.
Thinking of your safety mate
Regards
KB

[ericmark]

It is permitted to spur direct from consumer unit but may be considered as new circuit so might required Part P. If you DIY don't forget earth sleeve.

[aaaargh]

Thanks for your concern.

Although the cost of an electrician for one socket 1½ metres down a wall would probably be prohibitive.

Alarm companies, heating engineers etc do this all the time (a spur admittedly), I bet they're not part P.

[nitro23456]

you have been advised above to the law and even regardless of the law you should want it to be safe. To ignore this could have you in the clink mate if someone gets hurt.

[thedoctor]

You will be reaking the law. The probabliity that others may do it does not affect the fact that you will not be covered by your house insurance. You will also be endangering the life of your family and those following you when you sell your house. If your illegal activity is picked up by any new vendors surveyor (as they are more and more as the new regulations take effect) you will not be able to sell your house until the electrical work is certified. On a final note, there is little point in coming to this forum for the advice of professional tradesmen if you ignore what we say.

[ericmark]

It is the coming direct off a consumer unit that is main problem as to Part P. A spur off a ring main is allowed without Part P and I would think you will find Alarm people do this. The Plumbers have a special version of Part P which allows limited electrical work so you would most likely find they are Part P registered. Part P does not say you can't do the work but if you as non registered person want to do the work you must inform building controls first then complete the work then test the work fill out all the forms and return them to building control who will decide if your results look OK. If they think you may have got it wrong then they will then re-test your work. If they find it not to the regs then they will require you to rip it out and get it done again. There are links to Part P and if you think you can do it yourself down load the on line document and look at the forms you need to fill in. Starts on page 22 where I would think you will have a problem is measuring earth loop impedance, prospective short circuit current, insulation resistance, R1 + R2 and RCD tripping times. These all need expensive meters which need traceable records so borrowing them off a mate does not really work. Yes it does seem expensive for such a little job but the electrician has to fill in all these forms and keep copies and send them to clearing house who in turn send them to building controls and supply you with a copy any wonder the price has gone up? Smallest job still takes an hours labour once paper work is completed. On plus side you would not believe how many faults are found because everything is tested. Not on job being done but high lighted faults that have existed for a long time.